Improve Your Quality of Life With Dental Implants in Richardson

Are there gaps in your smile? Living with missing teeth can be inconvenient, and your confidence level might not be where it should. If you’re considering getting your teeth replaced, you have a few options in front of you. You may even already have dentures or a bridge. However, did you know that there is a better way to get back your pearly whites? Dental implants in Richardson might be the way for you to gain the secure, gorgeous smile you’ve been missing.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts that your dentist surgically inserts into your jaw. Your bone heals around the implant, and a process known as osseointegration occurs. In a nutshell, this means that your jawbone will bond with the implants. Therefore, your new teeth will have a very sturdy foundation.

Sometime after the initial surgery — perhaps a few months — your bone will be healed enough for you to receive your new pearly whites. Your dentist in Richardson will attach abutments to the titanium posts. Your artificial teeth will in turn be attached to the abutments.

Dental implants are a great solution whether you’re missing one tooth or all of them. If you have large gaps between your natural teeth, your dentist might suggest that you get an implant-supported bridge. This involves implants that go on both sides of the gap. A single bridge will then be attached to them.

Why Implants Are Amazing

The process of getting dental implants takes between several months and a year. You might wonder if it is worth the time, and the thought of having surgery might scare you. However, you can be confident that implants are the best way to replace missing teeth.

The biggest perk of implants is that they bond with your bone, fortifying it. This helps your face maintain its structure. With other tooth replacement methods, your jaw will eventually weaken and change shape.

Here are a few more reasons why you should strongly consider getting implants:

• With bridges, your dentist has to remove a bit of enamel from the teeth on either side of the gap. With implants, all of your natural teeth can stay intact.
• You can care for implants like they’re your natural teeth. You can brush and floss normally.
• If you opt for traditional dentures, you’ll have to remove them daily and go through the hassle of cleaning them. Plus, they do not last as long as implants, which can endure for your lifetime.

Are Implants Right for You?

Dental implants are ideal for many people, but they aren’t for everyone. If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or strong enough to support the implants, you may need a bone graft. Also, the process isn’t as quick as other tooth replacement methods. You’ll need to be patient.

You and your dentist can talk more about implants so you can become comfortable with the road ahead of you. If you decide that this method of tooth replacement fits your circumstances, you can expect a lifetime of benefits after your new pearly whites are in place.

About the Author

Dr. Tom McDougal has been practicing dentistry since 1970. He puts his extensive experience and education to use to help his patients have the smiles they’ve always wanted. If you have questions about dental implants, contact Dr. McDougal’s team at 972-231-5376.